I have a Leviton PR150-1LI occupancy sensor in my garage. I have two 4 foot T8 fluorescent fixtures (each has 2 bulbs). Neither fixture originally had rapid magnetic start ballasts.

At this time, the motion sensor would cause the lights to attempt to turn on, they would flicker for a second or two, and then shut off for 2-3 seconds. This cycle would repeat endlessly.

The switch requires rapid magnetic start ballasts to properly function. I purchased 2 of these rapid magnetic start ballasts. I installed one of them on the light furthest from the switch.

At this time, the motion sensor would cause the lights to turn on and stay on, but they flicker/buzz.

While testing the circuit I found that if I splice an incandescent test bulb between the switch and the first fixture causes both fixtures work well with the motion sensor: full, constant brightness with zero buzzing.

I came across this thread that describes what I experience. The only solutions suggested there are to get a different switch or to add an incandescent fixture into the mix permanently.

I know I could install the second rapid start ballast. I know I could purchase different occupancy sensor that doesn't rely on a specific load coming from the circuit to function.

This is a bit of a "shop for me" question. Can you describe any more solutions you've tried or at least thought of?
– JasonJul 1 '13 at 2:50

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What is a "shop for me" question? I've described my process, my research, and the current state of my circuit/lighting. I've described 2 solutions I am not very fond of. I've come here seeking someone with more knowledge than myself on this particular topic (motion sensors + fluorescent bulbs) who might offer a better solution. I can do shopping on my own; this is about solving a problem, preferably without throwing money at it.
– user13762Jul 1 '13 at 3:13

I was able to connect an occupancy sensor that replaced a switched outlet in my laundry room, the outlet has a fluorescent fixture plugged in, similar to this one. Since it plugged into an outlet, I didn't have to worry about the load. I also have the type of occupancy switch that has it's own power lead.
– MDMoore313Jul 1 '13 at 13:35

@user13762 The original question title "Looking for Cheaper Solutions than Two New Ballasts", made it seem like you wanted us to shop around to find cheaper devices for you. Even the emboldened text at the end of the question, could be taken that you're looking for us to shop for you. That's why Monso suggested "this is a bit of a "shop for me" question".
– Tester101Jul 1 '13 at 16:09

1 Answer
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The basic problem is that the occupancy switch that you chose to purchase is one designed to be able to work in series with the load attached to it. If the attached load is too small (too low of wattage) the switch assembly does not get enough power to operate correctly. For the particular model you have this is on the order of 40 to 50 watts of minimum load. From a technical standpoint it kind of sucks that they work this way BUT they are designed to work in place of a simple light switch that is in in series with its load.

Your Radio Shack relay does not come close to representing a 40-50W load on the switch so the only other way is to add some additional load in series with the switch (i.e. equivalently in parallel with the relay coil). As you have come to see this is not a very satisfactory solution and some other scheme needs to be found.

The best situation in this case is to acquire the alternate type of occupancy switch as mentioned in that thread that you linked. That type of switch has a live AC lead and neutral AC lead connected to it to power the switch unit irrespective of the size of the load. A separate output connection goes off to the load you are trying to switch. This type of switch may take a little re-wiring in your garage but that should be easier than trying to wire in the kludged extra load that the current switch requires. If you choose to deploy this improved version of the switch you will be able to remove the Radio Shack relay from the installation.

To make yourself feel better about the fact that you now have an extra occupancy switch you could pick a room in your house that has a tendency to get its light left on accidentally and install the extra unit in place of its light switch. Maybe this is a bathroom the kids use or a far closet that does not get used often.

BTW

It looks like Leviton now has a whole slew of different model occupancy switches that are also designed for single pole switch replacement but have removed the minimum load requirements. These do not require a neutral wire connection but do require a GND wire connection.